Technical BLOG
The Antala Technical blog is a resource for manufacturers and engineers across the automotive, transportation, energy and general industry.
Featuring a wide range of articles for those looking to optimise processes and improve production.
As well as useful information, tips and recommendations on using industrial adhesives and sealants.
Araldite Adhesives Range for Assembly Operations
With over 60 years in adhesive technology, Huntsman Advanced Materials offers a range of high performance structural adhesives. The Araldite adhesives range provides superior bonding
Antala supports Ardingly College in solar car challenge
Antala are proud to be supporting the Ardingly Solar team on their preparations for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2019 (BWSC). The Bridgestone World Solar
DuPont launches new brand identity
DowDuPont had announced in February 2018 that its Speciality Products Division will be called DuPont when it becomes an independent, publicly traded company, which is
Antala wins Greater Manchester fastest growing small business
We have been named the Fastest growing small business in this year’s Ward Hadaway Greater Manchester Fastest 50. The award ceremony took place at the
Antala named as one of the 50 fastest growing companies in Greater Manchester
Antala Ltd are pleased to announce we have been recognised as one of the 50 fastest growing companies in Greater Manchester. The company has been
Official Distributor of Wipemaster Products
Antala are proud to announce that we are an official European distributor of Wipemaster products. Wipemaster specialise in critical approved wiping materials for Aerospace, Engineering,
What is the best adhesive for bonding Acrylic?
Acrylic (PMMA – polymethyl methacrylate) is a transparent, thermoplastic that is commonly known as Plexiglas®. Thermoplastics like Acrylic can be heated to their melting point,
What is the best adhesive for bonding Acetal?
Acetal (Polyoxymethylene) is a strong and rigid thermoplastic that has good moisture, heat and chemical resistance. It is commonly used in industries as a replacement
Tectyl 400-C Industrial Corrosion Preventative Product
Table of Contents Tectyl 400-C Features & BenefitsExcellent Protection Economical Easy application Tectyl 400-C is a corrosion inhibitor for protecting metal surfaces against rust and corrosion. Tectyl
What is the best adhesive for bonding ABS?
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is an opaque thermoplastic polymer used for injection molding applications and 3D printing. ABS is made from varying ratios of three
Introducing Araldite 2050 & 2051
Huntsman Advanced Materials have launched two new MMA adhesives; Araldite 2050 and Araldite 2051. Both are rapid curing MMA adhesives and are designed to speed
Huntsman Advanced Materials at JEC World 2019
Huntsman Advanced Materials will be exhibiting at JEC World 2019 from the 12th – 14th March. This year’s theme ‘Making a Material Difference through Chemistry’
What are the strongest adhesives?
One of the most popular questions we receive from customers is providing advice and recommendations on the strongest adhesive for their application. In this post,
Common reasons for adhesive failure
Adhesives can solve many design challenges and improve operation efficiency. However, there are many factors that can lead to the success and failure of the
What are the best adhesives for bonding polyurethane?
Polyurethane, also known as PU is a polymer made from combining an organic compound unit with carbamate (urethane). PU is available in different forms; rigid
What you need to know about UL Classifications?
UL classifications are used across many industries, however what does the classification mean for customers. What does UL stand for?Table of ContentsWhat does UL stand
Top 10 Products of 2018
As it’s the start of a new year, we’re looking back at the top most viewed products on the Antala website over the past year.
What is the best adhesive for bonding PET Plastic?
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic material from the Polyester family. PET is a lightweight, strong and inert material that is easily transported and recyclable.
What is the best adhesive for bonding PVC Plastic?
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is an extremely versatile, thermoplastic polymer used in healthcare, electronics, transportation and construction. PVC has a very high density and good tensile
Recommended adhesives for bonding magnets
There are many magnet types that vary in strength, temperature and offer differing corrosion resistance. The most commonly used magnet types are neodymium (known as
Antala celebrates 20th Anniversary
This year, we are celebrating our 20th anniversary in speciality chemicals. We have witnessed great worldwide changes and evolutions in technology, economic and social fields.
A sprayable, solvent-free contact adhesive for industrial panel manufacturers
SMP Merbenit IA45 is a solvent-free, contact adhesive with the advantage of being able to correct bonded parts. The adhesive offers a 10 minute tooling time
Christmas Shutdown Period 2018
Antala will be closed for the Christmas holidays from 12.00pm on Friday 21st December 2018 and will reopen on Wednesday 2nd January 2019 at 08.00am. During this period,
Bonding plastic to metals and alloys – factors to consider
Plastics are one of the most versatile materials in manufacturing where they can be shaped and moulded into many different forms. There are many adhesive
What you need to know on bonding plastics
For engineers and manufacturers, adhesives have provided the solution when it comes to bonding plastics. With the wide range of adhesives available, it can be
How to bond silicone
Silicone is a rubber-like elastomer with low surface energy, which can make it difficult to bond to substrates. Two recommended adhesives are those with a
Merbenit at Bondexpo 2018
Merz + benteli will be exhibiting the Merbenit range of products at the international trade fair, Bondexpo 2018. This year’s event takes place in Stuttgart from the
Merbenit receives eco-bau validation
Three Merbenit products have received the eco-bau certification; Merbenit FS30, Merbenit HS60 and Merbenit HT50. What is the eco-bau certification?Table of ContentsWhat is the eco-bau
Antala will be attending Advanced Engineering 2018
We’re attending Advanced Engineering 2018. Antala will be visiting the Advanced Engineering event on 31st October & 1st November 2018 at the National Exhibition
How a good sealant can reduce costs
Most companies spend little time thinking about their facilities, such as pipes and valves. However, sudden leaks can result in costly downtime and a wastage
Huntsman New Product – Araldite 2015-1
Araldite 2015-1 is a thixotropic, gap-filling, two component epoxy adhesive which provides a strong and resilient bond on composites (GRP/SMC, CFRP), metals, wood, ceramic and
Introducing the Permabond Flex CA Range
Permabond have launched a range of new flexible cyanoacrylate adhesives offering up to 400% elongation. Permabond Flex CA Adhesives Permabond 741, 743 and 748 flex
Dow at Automechanika Frankfurt 2018
Dow will be presenting their lightweight automotive solutions at this year’s Automechanika fair, which takes place in Frankfurt from Tuesday 11th – Saturday 15th September
EN45545 Certified Products for Railway Manufacturers
Fire Safety has always been a top priority in railway transportation. With the introduction of the European fire regulation, manufacturers and engineers must ensure materials
Common reasons why thread sealants fail to cure
Common reasons why thread sealants fail to cureTable of ContentsCommon reasons why thread sealants fail to cureContact with metal Lack of contact with oxygen Parallel
Merz+Benteli celebrates 100th anniversary
This year, merz + benteli the Swiss adhesive and sealant specialist for reactive systems is celebrating its 100th anniversary. As an independent company, merz + benteli develops, produces
A lightweight, sound absorbing solution for the Automotive market
Car manufacturers are increasingly looking for solutions to reduce weight and to give drivers a quieter and smoother ride while improving fuel efficiency. Merbenit E20Table
Welcome to Industry 4.0
The latest trend in manufacturing combines automation and data exchange, also known as Industry 4.0. This industrial revolution is set to change the way suppliers,
DGE will be exhibiting at InnoTrans 2018
Distributors Group Europe (DGE) will be presenting their latest solutions for the railway industry at InnoTrans 2018. InnoTrans is the world’s leading trade fair for
Adhesives For Bonding Polyolefin
It can be challenging bonding thermoplastic polyolefins like polyethylene and polypropylene. Polyolefins have a low surface energy which makes it difficult for adhesives to wet
Merbenit Unique SMP Products
This year marks the 100 year anniversary of Merz+Benteli AG, since the company was founded by chemists Walter Merz and Dr Albert Benteli. The company
DGE Group announces corporate rebrand and new website launch
The DGE group, a marketing and distribution network for specialised chemical products have announced today the launch of a redesigned website and its new corporate
Surface Preparation for Adhesive Bonding
Surface Preparation is one of the most critical steps in achieving a high bond strength and improving the performance of an adhesive. For an effective
Antala and Dow Driving the Design of New Electric Taxis
Antala are proud to be working with LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) on their ground-breaking work in developing the iconic black cabs. The new taxis
Solutions for repairing wind turbine blades
Whilst in operation, wind turbines are prone to damage from external forces. The rotor blades on a wind turbine require regular inspection and maintenance to
Dow Automotive Structural Adhesives enhance lightweight module construction
Dow Automotive Structural Adhesives enhance lightweight module constructionTable of ContentsDow Automotive Structural Adhesives enhance lightweight module constructionBETAFORCE – Composites Bonding AdhesivesBETAMATE – Structural Bonding AdhesivesBETASEAL
Why you should be using low lint wipes
When working in a critical environment such as automotive manufacturing and repairing, it is important to use the right cleaning materials for the task to
Selection Guide for Huntsman Araldite Nozzles
One of the most common questions we hear from our customers is “What is the correct nozzle for my Araldite cartridge?” There are many industrial
What you need to know about the EN45545-2 requirement for trains
The European railway standard for fire safety EN45545 was introduced as a mandatory requirement throughout Europe. Existing UK fire regulations such as BS 6853 can no
How To Bond Glass Ceramic
Glass ceramic is one of the most versatile materials, combining the properties of glass and polycrystalline. Extremely resistant to thermal shock, its applications range from cooker
Frequently Asked Questions about Permabond POP Primer
Permabond POP is a primer and adhesion promoter for Cyanoacrylate Adhesives. It is not an accelerator, so it will not increase the cure rates or
Huntsman Advanced Materials at JEC World 2018, 6-8th March, Paris
Huntsman Advanced Materials will be showcasing their pioneering lightweight solutions for Automotive and Aerospace industries at JEC World 2018.Table of ContentsHuntsman Advanced Materials will be
Ara Ecocleaner – green cleaning solvent
The Ara® Ecocleaner is an environmentally friendly solvent developed by Huntsman that can be used on a wide range of resins and polymers. The cleaning
Prevent problems with anti-corrosives for the marine sector
A boat or ship at sea is prone to corrosion by aggressive and environmental factors. At Antala we have several anti-corrosives that can help you
New Products from Huntsman Advanced Materials
New Products from Huntsman Advanced Materials As part of the Huntsman Advanced Materials’ programme to provide adhesives that are more user friendly and sustainable, Huntsman
DOWSIL 7091 Adhesive Sealant Certified to Fire Railway Standard
Dowsil 7091 formerly Dow Corning 7091 Silicone Adhesive/Sealant has been certified to meet European fire rail standard EN45545-2. Dowsil 7091 was tested and achieved hazard
Introducing the WipeMaster range
WipeMaster Range Table of ContentsWipeMaster Range Wet WipesWipemaster WIPE 9Features & Benefits Wipemaster Non-woven wipesWipemaster WX100Features & Benefits Managed SystemsFeatures & Benefits We are pleased to announce
Cleaning and removing silicone adhesives
It can be a challenge trying to clean and remove silicone adhesives from industrial equipment and surfaces. Silicone adhesives are known for forming strong bonds
Cyanoacrylate adhesives for bonding plastics
There are many types of adhesives for bonding plastic depending on the application. The most popular choice is Cyanoacrylate adhesives. Cyanoacrylate adhesives are single component
Tectyl Corrosion Protection For Overseas Storage
Corrosion can be an issue when handling, storing and shipping parts and equipment from sea to land. Factors such as temperature changes, contaminated air, sea
Betamate Adhesives Pass Fire Standard For Rail Applications
Dow have announced three grades of Betamate structural adhesives have passed the European Standard EN45545-2 for railway vehicles. Betamate 2700 A/B, Betamate 7120 and Betamate
Price Change for Minimum Order Value and Transport Cost
From the 2nd January 2018, there will be a price increase on the minimum order value and transport cost. New Prices Minimum order value =
Christmas Shutdown Period 2017
Antala will be closed for the Christmas holidays from 12.00pm on Friday 22nd December 2017 and will reopen on Tuesday 2nd January 2018 at 08.00am.
New Product Brand Name for Dow Corning – DOWSIL™
Dow have unveiled DOWSIL™ as the new product brand name for Dow Corning branded silicone products. Through a phased implementation, Dow Corning branded silicone products
Dow Consumer Solutions – New Website Launch
As part of the Dow Corning integration into Dow, a new website was launched on Monday 6th November 2017. The Dow Consumer Solutions website replaces the
Araldite CW 1312 / HY 1300 Meets European Railway Fire Safety Standard
The European railway fire safety standard EN45545 will be a mandatory requirement across Europe from the 1st January 2018. Component manufacturers will need to ensure
Tectyl 506 – Industrial corrosion protection
Tectyl 506 is a general purpose corrosion inhibitor which provides excellent protection of metallic surfaces against corrosion. A versatile product that can be used across
New Huntsman Product – Araldite 252-1
From the 1st November 2017, we will be launching the Araldite 252-1 as an alternative to Araldite 252 and Araldite 255. Huntsman have been working
Dow Corning Webinar: Opportunities for Process Optimizations with New Silicone Adhesives
Dow Corning, a global leader in silicone technology will present a webinar on silicone adhesives on Thursday 19th October at 2pm (GMT). Florian Damrath, Technical
Araldite 2014-2, Hardener HW 5323-1 and HV 998-1 – New Products
From the 1st December 2017, Antala will be launching the full range of Araldite 2014-2, Hardener HW 5323-1 and HV 998-1. These Adhesives will replace
Merbenit at Bondexpo 2017 in Stuttgart, 9th to 12th October
Merz + benteli will be exhibiting the Merbenit product range with REIß GmbH at Bondexpo 2017. Merz + benteli have over a 100 years experience
Advanced Engineering 2017
Connecting the entire supply chain of the UK’s advanced engineering industry with R&D, design, test, production & procurement from OEMs & top tier industry.Table of
What is the best adhesive for bonding glass?
There are many types of glass adhesives to suit different applications, whether you are bonding glass to metal or glass to glass, here are some
Tips for successful moldmaking with silicone rubbers
Moldmaking with silicone rubbersTable of ContentsMoldmaking with silicone rubbersDe-airingInhibitionThinnersRelease Agents for Patterns/Masters Calculating Material NeedsPatching Torn MoldsCompression CastingOak Wood PatternsMold Box Release Mold Life Extension
Araldite 2000 Range Adhesives
As market demands increase, designers and engineers are having to bring lightweight and durable products to market within a shorter time frame, as a result they
How to seal threaded pipe joints with Pipe Sealants
UL® performs various tests to determine the suitability of a pipe sealants for a particular use. The classification does not state the strength of the
Dow Corning 7091 Silicone suitable for engine gaskets
Dow Corning 7091 is a high performance, neutral silicone adhesive and sealant that cures at room temperature. Designed for automotive applications that require a strong
Araldite LY 1568/Aradur 3492 resin system reduces weight in boats
Araldite epoxy resin system gives weight savings to sport boats When Scout Boats Inc. began considering the infusion process for the new hull of its
Effects of Silicone Polymers in Nature
Silicone Polymers Environmental Information – Health Environment & Regulatory Affairs (HERA) Many consumer products containing silicone polymers, or polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), are used in a fashion,
Dow Corning silicone Adhesive & Sealants for Automotive Industry
Adhesive/Sealants for Automotive Body & Lighting Applications Embrace the opportunities. Today’s global automotive industry is marked by rapid change. Green design, zero-defect quality, high-value driving experience and
Two new structural adhesives Araldite 2021-1 and 2022-1
HUNTSMAN ADVANCED MATERIALS LAUNCHES ARALDITE 2021-1 AND ARALDITE 2022-1 As part of its commitment to continuous product development and to ensure the sustainability of its
Dow Automotive contributes to the rebirth of the legendary Renault Alpine A110
Alpine, the myth of French sports cars, is back! For sports lovers, this dream that began in 1955 now continues. Having created cars like the
NEW Permabond 3D90 Cyanoacrylate Infiltrant for Granular 3D Printing
Table of Contents Permabond 3D90 Cyanoacrylate Infiltrant for Granular 3D PrintingThe benefits of Permabond 3D90 includeProduct Data Permabond Engineering Adhesives has worked with granular 3D printers
Dow Corning EA-2626 2K Silicone Adhesive
2K Silicone Adhesive Dow Corning EA-2626Table of Contents2K Silicone Adhesive Dow Corning EA-2626Basic characteristics of Doss-K seriesRTV 2K Silicone AdhesiveBenefits over the single-component silicone adhesive RTVMarketsAutomotive
Betaforce, Adhesive for Lightweight Vehicle Construction
Betaforce is a new composite bonding adhesive developed by Auburn Hills-based Dow Automotive Systems is now being used in the Audi R8 and the Lamborghini
BETASEAL and the correct time following a windshield installation
BETASEAL adhesives and the drive away time following a windshield installation Dow Automotive Systems have released the following information relating to it’s BETASEAL adhesive systems and
Dow Corning Silicone Foam 3-8259 RF has successfully passed UL standards
Dow Corning 3-8259 RF Silicone Foam for Compression GasketsTable of ContentsDow Corning 3-8259 RF Silicone Foam for Compression GasketsStandardsFind the Foam that Fits Your
New transparent adhesive Araldite 2028-1
The new transparent adhesive Araldite 2028-1 developed by Huntsman Advanced Materials, is a product of chemical-based polyurethane and curing at room temperature with a simple
Cyanoacrylate Bonding & Bond Accelerators Permabond
Cyanoacrylate Consistently Curing Adhesives Cyanoacrylate (also called CA, instant adhesives or super glue) are very reactive and require stabilizers to remain liquid. They cure when the
Merbenit 2K60 is a permanently elastic 2-component adhesive
Merbenit 2K60 is a permanently elastic 2-component adhesive with a very fast strength build-up and very good adhesion properties, especially on synthetics which are difficult to bond. Merbenit
BETAPRIME Primers Dow Automotive Systems
Promoting Glass and Metal Adhesion BETAPRIME primers from Dow Automotive Systems promote adhesion to the vehicle body or glass, and are ideal for use in
How Cyanoacrylate Adhesives Have Improved
There are various reasons why cyanoacrylate adhesives have grown in popularity despite their relatively higher cost per unit. First, cyanoacrylate adhesives are one-compound adhesives, so
Antala is the TECTYL distributor in UK and Ireland
AGREEMENT OF CONCESSION BETWEEN ANTALA AND TECTYL (VALVOLINE EUROPE) ANTALA and VALVOLINE EUROPE have entered into a distribution agreement for TECTYL products. ANTALA is named
New Merbenit IA45 fast strength SMP Adhesive for application in very thin lines
Merbenit IA45 Fast Strength adhesive Table of ContentsMerbenit IA45 Fast Strength adhesive Merbenit IA45 product featuresApplicationSMP Merbenit IA45 is suitable for bonding: Merbenit IA45 is a
Araldite 2021-1 the MMA adhesive for the wind energy sector.
Huntsman manufactures and markets a wide range of specific adhesives for the wind energy sector, which are recommended for use in production, maintenance and repair
Jewellery manufacturing adhesives – Araldite 2011, Permabond UV 6231…
Two-component epoxy resins are used to manufacture jewellery and to bond different sized pieces, materials and compositions. Another use for epoxy resins in jewellery manufacturing is that they can
Tecnite thermal management solutions for electronics assembly applications
Thermal management is a critical issue in the of electronic systems. As the complexity of the devices continues to grow, designers and manufacturers require improved
Araldite Adhesives & Solutions for the Rail Sector
Huntsman Advanced Materials Helps to Deliver Greater Sustainable Mobility in the Rail SectorTable of ContentsHuntsman Advanced Materials Helps to Deliver Greater Sustainable Mobility in the
BETAMATE epoxy Structural Bonding Adhesives from Dow Automotive
BETAMATE epoxy structural adhesives provide high performance bonding to steel, aluminium and other materials to enhance stiffness, NVH, crash and durability performance. They supplant welds
Dow Corning Silicone Adhesives and Sealants for IAM
Dow Corning industrial assembly and maintenance (IAM)Table of ContentsDow Corning industrial assembly and maintenance (IAM)Why Silicones?Which Dow Corning industrial assembly and maintenance silicone?RTV sealants (vulcanization ambient